Abstract

It is a known phenomenon that some dielectric materials used to construct plasma actuators degrade during operation. However, the rate at which this process occurs, to what extent, as well as a method to monitor is yet to be established. In this experimental study, it is shown that electrical measurements can be used to monitor changes in the material of the plasma actuators. The procedure we introduce for monitoring the actuators follows from the work of Kriegseis, Grundmann, and Tropea [Kriegseis et al., J. Appl. Phys. 110, 013305 (2011)], who used Lissajous figures to measure actuator power consumption and capacitance. In the present study, we quantify changes in both the power consumption and capacitance of the actuators over long operating durations. It is shown that the increase in the effective capacitance of the actuator is related to degradation (thinning) of the dielectric layer, which is accompanied by an increase in actuator power consumption. For actuators constructed from layers of Kapton® polyimide tape, these changes are self-limiting. Although the polyimide film degrades relatively quickly, the underlying adhesive layer appears to remain intact. Over time, the effective capacitance was found to increase by up to 36%, 25%, and 11% for actuators constructed with 2, 3, and 4 layers of Kapton tape, respectively. A method is presented to prevent erosion of the Kapton dielectric layer using a coating of Polydimethylsiloxane oil. It is shown the application of this treatment can delay the onset of degradation of the Kapton dielectric material.

The authors acknowledge the personal communication with Katrin Barckmann, who suggested the silicone oil treatment.

This work was supported in part by funding from the National Science and Engineering Research Council and the Molson Foundation. This work was also supported in part by funding from the National Science Foundation (Grant # CMMI 0932546) through sub-contract from Michigan State University. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. R.E.H. acknowledges funding from the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology.